The Tale of Two Cities Designing for Informal Settlements in Benin, Africa
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE SPECIAL TOPICS STUDIO
Wentworth Institute of Technology Fall 2017
SPECIAL THANKS US Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn, The United States Embassy, Cotonou, Bénin Kelly Hutzell, Director of Graduate Studies, Wentworth Institute Sharon Matthews, Acting Chair Architecture Department, Wentworth Institute Zorica Pantic, President, Wentworth Institute Architect Habib Meme, Cotonou, Bénin L’Atelier Des Griots, Akpakpa-Dodomey, Cotonou, Bénin
The Tale of Two Cities Designing for Informal Settlements in Benin, Africa
STUDENTS
STUDIO CRITIC
Lamia Almuhanna
John Ellis
Victoria Deveau
Professor
Austin Drake Sarah Edwards Keannam Goh Kelsey Gorski Craig Johnson Andjela Lilic Sachia Chin Loy Shannon McManus Mykaela Scarpace Seantel Trombly
Wentworth Institute of Technology Master of Architecture Special Topics Studio | Fall 2017
CONTENTS
Introduction
8 The Formal and the Informal 9 Quotes from Wentworth students Design Proposals
12 Site: Apkapka-Dodomey 14 Center for Life 20 School Entrance Pavilion 26 Center for Creativity & Learning 32 Medical Clinic 38 Ghanaian School 44 Site: Ganvie 46 Ganvie Community Pavilion Closing
54 Photos from Akpakpa-Dodomey and Ganvie 55 Quotes from Wentworth students
INTRODUCTION The Formal and The Informal Quotes from Wentworth students
The Formal and The Informal Benin, Africa
In May 2015 the United Nations released a report sug-gesting
As you will see in the accompanying projects the students
that 10 million more people are added to the urban popula-
skillfully developed design proposals, together with local
tion of Sub-Saharan Africa each year, over two-thirds (7
community members, based on initial discoveries made during
million) live in informal cities and only 2 mil-lion can expect
a 10-day immersion travel in Bénin early in the fall 2017
ever to move out from them.
semester.
Urban planning and governance have not adapted fast enough
The studio required each student group cultivate a par-ticular
to the extraordinary situation of rapid urban changes in Africa.
point of view towards the making of architecture in the
A new process of urbanization has been unleashed by the
cultural, social, ecological and economic context of Bénin, as
masses of migrants who have flocked to the cities since
well as define its role in the making of a better world.
independence, and who are seeking to solve the problems of accommodation and employment on their own informal
Professor John Stephen Ellis, AIA and architect Habib Meme
terms.
are the co-founders of L’Atelier Des Griots - a non-profit international studio devot-ed to the study and implementation
Current research and practice suggest that the path to urban
of low-tech ecological urban architecture and planning.
peace and sustainability in urban Africa lies in building more
L’Atelier des Griots is dedicated to the West African tradition
inclusive and socially equitable cities where everyone,
of the griot – telling the many stories of the community
regardless of their economic means, gender, age, ethnic origin
through the medium of art, architecture and urbanism.
or religion are enabled and empowered to participate productively in the social, economic and political opportunities
In January of 2017 the L’Atelier Des Griots founded the
that cities offer.
Akpakpa-Dodomey Community Design / Build Workshop, as the first step in establishing a West African Design Build
A view that acknowledges the reality of informal city, and at the same time the dynamism of the inhabitants to re-solve their very problems, could go a long way in helping cities cope with rapid urbanization. In the case of Bénin, the diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious make-up of the people and their capacities to live together in peace magnifies this dynamism. The focus of the 2017 fall Bénin Studio was the tale of two cities, designs for the informal city. We listened and responded to the historic and contemporary stories of two very different cities separated by less than 12 kilometers of water. Our energies were focused on the settlements of Ganvié, a city formed by refugees from the slave trade, and the other Akpakpa-Dodomey a settlement formed by con-temporary refugees from Bénin, Togo, Ghana, Burkina-Faso, Niger, and Nigeria.
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Right Wentworth students with the L'Atelier des Griots
School.
"I've never felt more welcomed than I did in Benin. Everyone we met opened their homes, shared their stories and wanted to help us in any way they could as if we had known them forever."
"There are many paths I could have gone down in my life and I am lucky the one I am on brought me to Benin. The community of people we met created a home for us in a place I never thought I would have the opportunity to visit." seantel trombly master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
kelsey gorski master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
"Benin is full of culture and full of life. The people, the food, the music, the clothes - everything is beaming with color and energy." "This place is beautiful; these children are beautiful. Thank you to the people we met who made us feel at home."
mykaela scarpace master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
victoria deveau master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
"I am very fortunate for this experience and it will be something that I will always treasure. Traveling to Benin, I have experienced this indescribable energy and culture that is truly inspiring and touching."
"Benin has a culture that is extraordinary. The people are so happy and vibrant. The people of Benin have taught me that life is so simple - live life to the fullest no matter what you have." craig johnson master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
shannon mcmanus master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
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DESIGN PROPOSALS Site: Apkapka-Dodomey Center for Life School Entrance Pavilion Center for Creativity & Learning Medical Clinic Ghanaian School Site: Ganvie Women's Center
Site:
Akpakpa-Dodomey
At the estuary where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Cotonou
“After years of service as a beloved hunter to the king, he was
Lagoon, in the 4th. arrondissement in the City of Cotonou,
instructed to build an abattoir near the lagoon.” This may have
lies the neighborhood of Akpakpa-Dodomey. It is located on
been the first slaughterhouse in the City of Cotonou. “In
the Akpakpa side of Cotonou, from where it draws the first
building here, my grandfather established what would later
part of its name - Akpakpa. It’s strategic location along the
become known as Akpakpa-Dodomey.”
Abidjan - Lagos east / west axis, and only a few kilometers from Lake Nokoué to the north explains the rich diversity of
Students from Wentworth Institute, in collabora-tion with
its population - formed by longterm residents and contempo-
those of L’Atelier Des Griots, plan over the coming years to
rary refugees from Bénin, Togo, Ghana, Burkina-Faso, Niger,
seek and record the rich stories of Akpakpa-Dodomey
and Nigeria.
– stories which are vital to this extraordinary neighborhood’s ‘Pride of Place.’
Although the location of Akpakpa-Dodomey, now known as Akpakpa-Dodomey/Enagnon, is in central Cotonou, it appears that over time the development along ‘Route One’ (the Abidjan to Lagos axis) has isolated the neighborhood from the city, consequently allowing it to develop its own unique character and scale, based heavily on its multiplicity of inhabitants, their cultures, languages, and reli-gions. Historic documents pertaining to the origins of AkpakpaDodomey are impossible to find, so let us offer the following story, told by an elder of the neighborhood, as a window on its past. The old woman speaks to us, “some generations ago my grandfather lived in the forests along the Atlantic Ocean, which at the time stretched from Porto Novo to the Cotonou Lagoon. The forests, then a part of the Royal Kingdom of Porto Novo, were heavily populated by animals and birds. My grandfather appointed by the king as his royal hunter was charged to live here and hunt for the royal family. “
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the village from above
children walking to school through the soccer feild
locals gathering water from a well
a road in Akpkapka-Dodomey, lined with homes and markets
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Center for Life CRAIG JOHNSON & SEANTEL TROMBLY The existing medical clinics in Akpakpa-Dodomey are private, expensive, and not accessible to the majority of the community. This project proposes a clinic to meet the needs of the entire neighborhood, and also introduces a much needed space for community gathering. The project emphasizes the significance of women in the cycle of life and the importance of a supportive community. The site is situated amongst the informal fabric of the neighborhood on one of the main axes of the community. It is a large plot of land that allows for the design to engage with the surrounding streets and homes. The project attempts to interact and communicate with the community, through a variety of designated spaces. The outermost spaces are public, the innermost spaces are private and the space between serves as a transition in-between. A wall frames the site to creates privacy and a space for people to sell goods and food. The transitional spaces occur inside the walls and encourage patients’ families to visit the clinic and support the women through the birthing process. In the event that women are at the clinic for an extended period of time, these spaces allow families to gather, prepare meals and attend to their loved ones. There are three birthing rooms in the very center of the design, each serving a different purpose – check-ups, labor and specialized labor. The birthing rooms are rounded and face one another, creating a private, intimate space for women to give birth. The clinic becomes part of and embraces the community in an attempt to serve as a medical center that celebrates the beginning of life. The project was inspired by discussions and interviews conducted with local women.
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gathering support
birth
check-ups
gathering birth
birth
gathering
labor
specialized labor
support gathering
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public space
transition space
private space
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A summary of interviews with local women… What do you think the role of women is? The woman has many small jobs that can be done in the home like cooking, and selling to make a small amount of money. Where do you sell goods and food? There is no place to sell aside from the home. Do you feel stagnant? Women feel stuck. If we had a space to teach and inspire one another we would learn more and be better with our work. Would you benefit from a space to sell? If there was a market, I would prefer to sell there. It would make my home cleaner. It would all depend on where I would make the most money, if I can move and make money that would be ideal. Would a woman’s center help? It would be helpful as long as it is a space for anyone to come. If it wasn’t for men, then it would be forgotten about and the place would fall apart. Where do you (women) go to give birth? There are a few spots within this area that offer some care, but most people go to a nearby city, clinic: la lagune “homel.” The neighboring city is federally funded so it is more affordable and offers better care. Do you think this area would benefit from a hospital, a woman’s center, or both? I think both could be very successful. Bringing the community together during the time of giving birth is important. When I gave birth to my first child there were many people around me talking me through the process and making me feel comfortable. But here, many people don’t have a support group because there isn’t space for it. Having a community center as part of a birthing center would help.
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School Entrance Pavilion AUSTIN DRAKE & MYKAELA SCARPACE This project – the program, site and concept – emerged from a specific experiences and observations in Akpakpa-Dodomey. The public elementary school sits within the informal fabric, yet does not follow the axes of the streets. A wall surrounds the school and its entrance gate is concealed on a side street, creating a barrier between the school and the community. It is not clear what is beyond the wall until the children leave
existing form
through the gate as the school day ends. There are unfinished school buildings on the site consisting of a completed classroom and two incomplete classrooms. This was seen an opportunity to intervene and change the image of the school. The intent of the proposal is to the break the barrier between the school and the community in order to create the lost connection between the school and the community.
continue existing roof
The pavilion design offers a new entrance to the school and serves as an interface and public place for the community to gather. Each element of the design was inspired by everyday life in Akpakpa-Dodomey and focuses on that which draws people together in a place with few designated public amenities. The wall is physically opened on the main street at an angle corresponding to the built fabric encouraging people to enter.
removal of walls
A platform lifts the pavilion off the street, defining the space allowing a place to gather and recreate. An angled roof extends off the existing school building to provide shade, collect water and shape the space below. One existing bay of the school is removed and its roof manipulated to create a connection between the pavilion and the inner courtyard. The design features a mini-library, a fresh water well, various forms of seating, and numerous blackboards for expression, playing and learning.
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walls divide space
levels divide space
site
axes
intersection
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roof collects rainwater
shade provided
existing roof unites the space
removal of classroom provides new entry
stoop extends into street stairs connect levels
angled wall opens the space
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A narrative about Akpakpa-Dodomey… When walking down the streets of akpakpa-dodomey, one’s eyes dart back and forth, distracted by the commotion of the seemingly infinite sights and sounds. The road sculpted by the footprints and tire tracks of motorcycles that have once passed, frames a periphery filled with a staggered collage of corrugated roofs, accented by the weight of stones and the weightlessness of palm branches. A rainbow of brown, grey and beige that blend with one’s shoes as you kick up dirt, contrasts the primary and secondary colors that dress friends and family as they converse and sell in the markets that line the streets. Friends talk and walk without direction as their conversation brings them to where they want to go, while others sit in the shade and converse to escape the penetrating African sun. But as the day comes to an end, the streets stay lively, soon to grow with the screams of playing children, flowing like water out of classrooms into a courtyard of trees and sand. The kids exit four heavy wood doors held by coarse and heavy columns of concrete, begins the long and seemingly endless wall which defines the school beyond Departing, the children run along this barrier; three times their height, as it disappears they are embraced by the street that they call home.
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Center for Creativity & Learning VICTORIA DEVEAU & ANDJELA LILIC This project was inspired by direct observations and interactions with local children in Akpakpa-Dodomey. The children run freely through the streets playing with tires, buckets, sticks and other items that strike their creative senses. This project attempts to emphasize and encourage this creative and imaginative play of the children. The site is triangular in shape and situated on a secondary street. There are two main building forms in the design – the first placed adjacent to nearby existing homes, in order to blend with the fabric of the neighborhood, the other reaches out to the street to invite the children of the community to engage its spaces. The design is entitled “Center for Creativity and Learning” to
the informal fabric
encourage local and outside artists - painters, musicians, etc., to make use of the forum to share their skills and knowledge with the children. An ‘artist’ residence is integrated into the design to encourage visiting artists to stay for extended periods of time. The design includes ample space for events, classes and performances, allowing artists to share their passion with the entire community. The concept of blending the streetscape with the site is executed through the strategic placement of tires - a common feature seen in Akpakpa-Dodomey – to define the space, while allowing for a safe designated place for children to play and learn.
the corner site
The design includes various sets of stairs and platforms, as well as a stage for children to climb, sing and play. Large roofs span across parts of the design to provide shading from the African sun and to collect rainwater for an integrated clean water system. The design will become a space for children to play every day, even when there is not an artist in residence.
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the concept
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A narrative from the perspective of children‌ Jean-Luc opens his eyes and sees the sun glistening through the walls. He wakes up and gets dressed. He brushes his teeth and eats breakfast. He hugs his father before he leaves to go out into the city for work. Then he helps his mother as she sells cloth outside of their house. Jean-Luc sees his friends in the distance playing and he runs over to join them. Children of all ages are playing on the playground. They laugh, they run, they walk, they sing, they learn. The street is their playground.
A narrative from the perspective of a visitor‌ It’s a beautiful bright Sunday morning and Mr. Didolanvi has just arrived in town. Coming to Akpakpa-Dodomey is like coming home, there is always a warm welcome from the community members. The children are the life of the streets and they never fail to put a smile on his face. As he makes his way over to the Center for Creativity and Learning, they follow. He is graced with the presence of many more children already gathered ready to laugh, play and learn. For the next week he spends his days teaching the children how to make and play the drums. He smiles as they laugh, run, drum, sing, and learn every day. By the end of the week, it is time for Mr. Didolanvi to leave. He packs his bags and leaves his apartment, he walks outside and is humbled and filled with joy to see the children making drums, playing, laughing and learning all on their own and from each other, inspired by what they have learned this week.
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Medical Clinic KEANNAM GOH & SHANNON MCMANUS Although there are several private clinics in AkpakpaDodomey, they are often expensive and difficult to access. This proposal aims to provide a new public clinic to serve the entire community and address the needs of people who seek medical attention. The site is an existing empty lot in Akpakpa-Dodomey where the community has planned to build a clinic for more than 10-years. It sits on one of the main axes of the community and is surrounded by homes and market stands. The orientation of the proposal addresses the site and the form addresses the needs of local patients. The building form revolves around a central garden that connects the various parts of the program. There is a check-in room, several exam and procedure rooms, and communal rooms. Each room opens onto the garden, creating a feeling of community at its very core. The entire building site is lifted off the ground to create a sense of privacy as well as promoting sanitary conditions. The main entry is located at the corner that intersects with the main street, its stairs signify entry, while offering an urban street space for informal gathering. The center of the core/ garden sits at the same level as the street with a traditional tree as the focal point. A large roof spans across the entire clinic providing shade to all occupants, yet allowing sunlight and rain to reach the garden. The roof is lifted to allow for natural ventilation in all the medical rooms and public spaces. The core/garden allows circulation throughout the clinic, but also provides a place to gather. Here people wait for appointment while still being able to relax and communicate with other patients. The design allows for patients, the community, and doctors to support one another in difficult times.
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central void
seperate masses
final form
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kitchen
exam
procedure procedure
storage
exam
exam
check-in
exam
pharmacy
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storage
doctor's room
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A narrative about an elder seeking help… Again and again, I take a step lower, to take two heavy steps back. Lower steps that seem to make me shakier and weaker by the moment. I’m not quite up, but I’m not quite down. I remain placed and quiet. Yet, I gasp as I attempt to descend lower. I can hardly whisper when I speak. I look to my family for relief, but too many figures blur the vibrant streets. I feel complete stillness, as the streets remain active – rhythmic drumming and singing can be heard all around, and children gather together to play. As I take a good long breath, I see that what I thought was unspeakable was more than this, it was hope. It gives me strength to take a few more steps – steps that lead me to you. I wait, but not alone. They comfort me as they hold my hand, and they say without speaking, “it will be okay.” I look around and I see others gather. I wait, but again, not alone, I am surrounded by many, I feel supported. They carry my worry, they will find and treat it. I realize that I belong here, and I know I will be okay. You bring the medicine, you give me what should heal, you give me what is next, you give me hope. I don’t wait anymore, I take a few steps down,
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Ghanaian School SARAH EDWARDS & KELSEY GORSKI Akpakpa-Dodomey is composed of people of numerous religions, cultures, and languages, and contains many forms of sacred places, schools, and other cultural centers. Recently, the neighborhood Ghanaian school was destroyed by the severe weather of the rainy season. This left hundreds of Ghanaian children without a place to study (all classes are held in English). The proposal intends to assist in replacing the school and create a new identity for Ghanaians in Akpakpa-Dodomey. The site is situated within the informal fabric of AkpakpaDodomey and will replace an existing home that has been offered by its owner to the school. The proposal blends the school into the informal city, while giving back to the community on a number of levels, including community public space and the replacement of the existing residential fabric. A grand staircase is the main focus of the design, serving as a positive, rising symbol for the Ghanaian community. The concept was inspired by images of the Ghanaian children arriving at school each day and climbing the steps to knowledge. The stairs creates space for new apartments below with hopes that teachers may occupy these spaces. At a number of points in the ascent of the stairs there are a pauses that allow for an integrated library, study spaces, and classrooms. The roof is lifted off the walls and punctures in the faรงade allow for natural ventilation and light to reach the interior spaces. The procession of the steps creates a space for learning and community gathering. It offers the possibility for the school to become a place not only for Ghanaians, but the entire community. When school is not in session students and the public can gather on the street and the stairs to share their stories and cultures with each other.
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user interaction
connection to the street
circulation
privacy levels
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A narrative about a child’s school experience… Kicking up the red, dry dirt, reminiscing about the days where he’d wear his favorite shirt, to the days when school was being taught, thinking about the destruction that brought naught. He stands on the street, looking up at the stair, students and neighbors gather there. Step by step, he rises above, anticipating his teacher’s labor of love. Halfway up the stair, he sees his friends and the books they share. Finally, at the top, the classroom becomes the backdrop. He opens his book to page one, but before he knows, the day is done. Down to the library they descend, he runs into a friend. They head to the library before they depart, so they can study the art. Hours pass, and it is almost time to sing before nighttime. The teacher leads the group, as neighbors crowd on the stoop. The entry of the school, open to the street, becomes a place for all to meet. Despite all the trauma and destruction, They’ve rebuilt their identity: an introduction.
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sharing space
writing room
reading area
speaking class
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Site:
Ganvie
Ganvié is a lake village in Benin, West Africa lying on northern
Nokoué and he knew at once that his prayers had been
edges of Lake Nokoué, 10 kilometers from the city of
answered.
Cotonou. With a population of about 30,000 people, it is thought to be the largest lake village in Africa. The name
He realized that because of religious ruling the Dahomey were
Ganvié means “we survived”, and is a reminder of the events
forbidden to travel out over the waters in pursuit of slaves. All
of centuries ago that led to the founding of the city on the
Abodohoué had to do was to build a city out in the lake and
water. It’s believed that the Tofini people settled here, about
get his people there, but how to do that? Well, if you can turn
400 years ago, to escape capture from the Fon tribe who
yourself into an egret then you can as easily turn yourself into
were not allowed to fight in water for traditional reasons.
a crocodile, and it is told that is what he did! In this reptilian form he asked the crocodiles of the lake for their help to
Although Ganvié appears to be a creation of nature – a city
transport his people out to the site of their new home.
where nature, of its own volition, created with its reeds and weeds the houses, shops, and market place.
On the crocodile’s backs, carrying supplies of wood with them, the Tofini people arrived and built their new houses on
Legends tells a very different story - On such story - In 1717
stilts over the water, and what lands the small islands offered
the Kings of Dahomey were busy scouring the countryside in
were turned over to agricultural. And there they have lived for
search of those militarily weaker than themselves. Covering
centuries safe from harm.
their captives in chains, they marched them to the coast where they were sold as slaves to European traders. King
The people of Ganvie are still, centuries later reluctant to
Abodohoué of the Tofini people was the leader of one of the
move to solid ground, although the threat of slavery is a
weaker tribes and was not at all keen on having himself or his
distant memory. They have over many generations grown
subjects packed off to the Americas. The traditional lands of
accustomed to living on the water and have no desire to
the Tofini lay in the region around Allada, to the north of Lake
abandon their lifestyle. This unique African village is sustain-
Nokoué, where Dahomey raids were becoming far too
able and the only time villagers go ashore is to sell their fish.
frequent.
They survive through small-scale fish farming and various other means.
Abodohoué realized that it was time to take action. So he turned himself into an egret and flew across the countryside looking for a suitable hiding place for himself and his people. Finally, he came across a series of small mud islands in Lake
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the village from above
a woman selling fruit out of her canoe
homes in Ganvie
a mother and son selling goods in the central market
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Ganvie Community Pavilion LAMIA ALMUHANNA & SACHIA CHIN LOY During the day men exit the Ganvié to fish in Lake Nakoué leaving the women and children behind. The women conduct domestic activities, sell goods, and tend to their children, who play in the water, on boats, and along the residential docks. Most women, at some point in the day gather in their boats in the central market, situated along the main water way - circulation route, which acts as the only public gathering space in the city. At the central market there are a number of ‘market structures’ which frame the space while providing some shade from the mid-day sun. The proposed new center for women would build on the logic of these structures, but at a new urban scale to create new spaces and sense of community for the women. The intervention would emphasize and celebrate the importance of all women in the city Ganvié. Located across from the central market, the project proposes a community pavilion - a space linking work, communication, and leisure. It allows the women a forum for conversation and exchange, and a place of play for the children. The design consists of a new large dock-like-platform reaching out towards the market. It utilizes typical Ganvian construction materials and methods - made from wood and stilted above the waters, similar to all construction in Ganvié. The main public space would be shaded and protective by the use of a cloth roof inspired by the sails of local boats, as well as the culturally significant West African wax-prints. A swimming pool sits at the edge of the platform allowing children a place near their mothers to swim safely in clean water. A simple panel system created by fabric and wooden poles allows the women to configure, divide and tailor spaces in support of community activities. The pavilion would be utilized by the entire community – creating a new public forum and life for the women of Ganvié, The concepts and program for this project was inspired by observations, interviews, and discussions made during two full-day visits to Ganvié. 46
COMBIN
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land
masses
LAND
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MASS
movement
MOVEMENT
public spaces
PUBLIC SP
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A narrative about life in Ganvie‌ The boat slows as it pulls into the first cluster of homes. The engine lulls, the village is quiet, safe for the children in the distance swimming and playing in the water. Women shout the praises of their products. The boat maneuvers its way through the homes, passing by children sticking their heads out of windows and doorways,
pool belong to land, market belong to water
women outside on their porches washing clothes. As the boat moves further into the village, a few market boats pass by, sharing glances and exchanges. The boat soon reaches its final destination, the heart of the village. The view from the boat shows the women, gathering together at the central hub to sell at the market, while also finding themselves amongst friends. The children play, running along the dock and swimming in the pool. The market radiates light
the house sits on the edge, connecting both sides
and color from the roof as the fabric lets in the breeze while shading from the harsh sunlight. Voices of the women marketing their goods fills the space, reminding them that this is Le Ville des Femmes, the City of Women. The men are gone fishing and most of the children are in school. The women have conquered the city for themselves. They head to their favorite spots to sell in the market, sitting next to their friends, sharing stories, advice and tips to help
the structure is rotated, creating a connection with the existing market
each other. The young children run off to play with their friends while their mothers are docked. The children are within earshot, so the women have no concern about how far the children go. Le Ville de Femmes is the cycle of Ganvie - the women keep the village afloat as the backbone of the community, supporting each other, their families and their neighbors in the village that has bridged land and water.
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the house and pool are rotated, opening the space to the public
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CLOSING Photos from Akpakpa-Dodomey and Ganvie Quotes from Wentworth students
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"In my mind, this trip was the greatest reward and luxury because I was able to truly experience the culture of Benin, while meeting so many wonderful and welcoming people. I didn't just make lifelong friends, but I felt like I was part of a family."
"Despite the short amount of time we spent in Benin, the memories we made will last a lifetime. This experiene was truly priceless in everyway - allowing us to make friends and work with some incredible people." sarah edwards master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
andjela lilic master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
"Words cannot do this experience justice life changing for sure." lamia almuhanna master of architecture, 2018
"To all my friends in Benin who embraced myself and my group... thank you! I'll never forget your overwhelming friendliness and gratuity."
wentworth institute of technology
austin drake master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
"This was a very enlightening and emotional experience that I am very grateful for. It has truly been an experience that I will cherish." "This project is a product of the love, inspiration and passion we received from the people of Akpakpa-Dodomey and Atelier des Griots."
sachia chin loy master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
keannam goh master of architecture, 2018 wentworth institute of technology
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